Name: Ana Alfaro (AJ)
Hometown: Hialeah, FL
Year: Senior
Age: 21
Major: Psychology
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Relationship: Single
Ana Alfaro, known as AJ by most of her friends, is just the type of work out buddy you need in your life. She is filled with dedication and overwhelming energy to get you pumped for your daily workout. To AJ, fitness is far more than a simple workout every other day. Fitness is her life and it has made her into the adventurous, determined, and outgoing person she is today.
Her Campus (HC): How long have you worked with the Leach?
Ana Alfaro (AJ): I have worked at the Leach for a little over a year. I am a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certified trainer for 6 months now, and MADD dog certified spinning instructor for a semester.
HC: How do you motivate others to be more into fitness?
AJ: Fitness is all about consistency and discipline. You need to have both to excel. It’s a lifestyle, and it’s more than just working out a few times a week. Fitness encompasses so many healthy behaviors that I try to emphasize as a trainer such as drinking more water, eating right, and getting enough hours of sleep. All these qualities make up a fit lifestyle, and these are all behaviors I promote every day to others. I always tell my clients, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”
HC: What type of music do you play in your spinning class?
AJ: I play a lot of rock. Rock is empowering! I play Linkin Park, Evanescence, and Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few. I try to play well known songs that people can get energized from and sing along to. I am diverse, however, and I play all types of music to satisfy the wide array of people who come to my class. No Miley Cyrus in my class though!
HC: When you see someone struggling in class, what do you say to them?
AJ: I always give people motivation. Spinning, even though it’s in a group, is a very personalized and different adventure for everyone. You can control your own resistance level on your bike. I always tell them, “This is your ride for the next 40 min.” They are the only one who can and will push themselves.
HC: What is your healthy lifestyle, and what advice can you give to those trying to achieve a healthier one?
AJ: It’s so easy to get stuck on counting your calories and becoming strict on everything you put into your mouth. If I know eating something won’t make me feel guilty, then I eat it. I am mindful of the food that I put into my body, but I’m Hispanic (proud Cuban!), so I really understand how food can easily be connected with any social event. Remember that you can splurge, but with moderation. Many people get lost in calorie counting, but that almost always leads to an unhealthy obsession. You don’t have to cut everything out cold turkey. Just remember food is fuel, not therapy
HC: What do you hope to accomplish having both the knowledge of psychology and fitness in the future?
AJ: Being a psychologist would bridge my two affinities for both mental and physical health. I see myself opening a wellness center in ten years that provides personal training and mental counseling (with the occasional smoothie and yoga class). I currently train the body, but that wouldn’t be possible without a healthy mind. You can’t achieve much without a positive mindset. I go far beyond teaching correct form. I also focus on motivating, educating, and inspiring others. A career in psychology would allow me to continue to empower people to better their quality of life on a wider scale.
HC: What’s your life motto?
AJ: Work Hard, Play Hard. Nothing worth obtaining comes easy; therefore when it’s time to put in work, I give it 110% but life is all about balance, so I do the same when it’s time to play.
HC: What’s your biggest food temptation?
AJ: Taco bell. I’ll go months without it and then once I have it, it’s hard to stop. I’ll go on a Taco Bell binge for the next 3-4 days! That’s why I try my hardest to stay away from it!
If you’re interested in changing your lifestyle, you can find AJ at the Leach most of the time. Her positive energy and silly jokes will smooth away any worries you have about coming to the gym. Like AJ says, “I need to be excited, to get them excited!”
Make an appointment for a fitness consultation with her! Or you can always go on the ride of your life, with her as your mentor at her spinning classes on Fridays at 4 pm. and Saturdays at 12:30 pm.
These seats fill up quickly so signing up in advance is key. Sign up here!